Remote control device and method for interacting with a controlled appliance via the BLE standard

ABSTRACT

Remote control device and method for controlling interactions between the remote control device and a controlled appliance. The remote control device comprises a BLE interface and a battery for powering the BLE interface. Upon determination of a first condition being met, the remote control device sets the BLE interface in a standby mode where the power supplied by the battery to the BLE interface is limited to a minimal value. Upon determination of a second condition being met, the remote control device transmits one or more BLE advertising signal via the BLE interface. The remote control device receives a connection request from a controlled appliance via the BLE interface, establishes a connection between the remote control device and the controlled appliance through the BLE interface, and exchanges data with the controlled appliance via the BLE communication interface (e.g. transmission of a command for an actuator of the controlled appliance).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/704,665, filed Dec. 5, 2019, titled “REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHODFOR INTERACTING WITH A CONTROLLED APPLIANCE VIA THE BLE STANDARD,” thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/704,665 claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/834,652, filedApr. 16, 2019, titled “REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INTERACTINGWITH A CONTROLLED APPLIANCE VIA THE BLE STANDARD,” the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of building automation, andmore precisely environmental condition control in an area of a building.More specifically, the present disclosure presents a remote controldevice and method for interacting with a controlled appliance via theBluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) standard.

BACKGROUND

Systems for controlling environmental conditions, for example inbuildings, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. An environmentcontrol system may at once control heating and cooling, monitor airquality, detect hazardous conditions such as fire, carbon monoxiderelease, intrusion, and the like. Such environment control systemsgenerally include at least one environment controller, which receivesmeasured environmental values, generally from external sensors, and inturn determines set-points or command parameters to be sent tocontrolled appliances.

The environment controller and the devices under its control (sensors,controlled appliances, etc.) are generally referred to as EnvironmentControl Devices (ECDs). An ECD comprises processing capabilities forprocessing data received via one or more communication interface and/orgenerating data transmitted via the one or more communication interface.Each communication interface may be of the wired or wireless type.

The generalization of the Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) standard allowsBLE enabled user devices to interact with ECDs of an environment controlsystem which also support the BLE standard.

For example, a controlled appliance receives commands from a remotecontrol device through a BLE connection between the controlled applianceand the remote control device. The remote control device is similar toremote controls used for controlling a television, a stereo equipment,etc. When a user presses a button of the remote control device, acorresponding command is transmitted to the controlled appliance via theBLE protocol.

The usage of the BLE standard (which has been designed to be energyefficient) limits power consumption on the remote control device. Bylimiting the power consumption, the lifetime of a battery powering theremote control device is extended. However, the power consumption needsto be further reduced, by optimizing the usage of the functionalitiesprovided by the BLE standard for implementing the (BLE) interactionsbetween the remote control device and the controlled appliance.

Therefore, there is a need for a new remote control device and methodfor interacting with a controlled appliance via the BLE standard.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a remotecontrol device comprising a radio frequency (RF) communicationinterface, a battery for powering at least the RF communicationinterface, and a processing unit. The processing unit sets the RFcommunication interface in a standby mode where the power supplied bythe battery to the RF communication interface is limited to a minimalvalue, upon determination of a first condition being met. The processingunit transmits at least one RF advertising signal via the RFcommunication interface, upon determination of a second condition beingmet. The processing unit receives via the RF communication interface aconnection request from a controlled appliance. The processing unitestablishes a connection between the remote control device and thecontrolled appliance through the RF communication interface. Theprocessing unit exchanges data with the controlled appliance via the RFcommunication interface.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a methodfor controlling interactions between a remote control device and acontrolled appliance. The method comprises, upon determination by aprocessing unit of the remote control device that a first condition ismet, setting an RF communication interface of the remote control devicein a standby mode where the power supplied by a battery of the remotecontrol device to the RF communication interface is limited to a minimalvalue. The method comprises, upon determination by the processing unitthat a second condition is met, transmitting at least one RF advertisingsignal via the RF communication interface. The method comprisesreceiving, by the processing unit via the RF communication interface, aconnection request from the controlled appliance. The method comprisesestablishing, by the processing unit, a connection between the remotecontrol device and the controlled appliance through the RF communicationinterface. The method comprises exchanging, by the processing unit, datawith the controlled appliance via the RF communication interface.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to anon-transitory computer program product comprising instructionsexecutable by a processing unit of a remote control device. Theexecution of the instructions by the processing unit of the remotecontrol device provides for controlling interactions between the remotecontrol device and a controlled appliance by implementing theaforementioned method.

According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to acomputing device comprising a radio frequency (RF) communicationinterface, a power supply for powering at least the RF communicationinterface, and a processing unit. The processing unit sets the RFcommunication interface in a standby mode where the power supplied bythe power supply to the RF communication interface is limited to aminimal value, upon determination of a first condition being met. Theprocessing unit transmits at least one RF advertising signal via the RFcommunication interface, upon determination of a second condition beingmet. The processing unit receives via the RF communication interface aconnection request from a controlled appliance. The processing unitestablishes a connection between the computing device and the controlledappliance through the RF communication interface. The processing unitexchanges data with the controlled appliance via the RF communicationinterface.

In a particular aspect, the RF communication interface is a Bluetooth®Low Energy (BLE) communication interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of example onlywith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represent interactions between devices of an environment controlsystem comprising a controlled appliance and a remote control device;

FIG. 2 represents a functional diagram detailing component of severaldevices of the environment control system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 represents a method implemented by the remote control device ofFIGS. 1 and 2 for controlling interactions (via the BLE standard) withthe controlled appliance of FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and

FIG. 4 represents a method implemented by the controlled appliance ofFIGS. 1 and 2 for controlling interactions (via the BLE standard) withthe remote control device of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing and other features will become more apparent upon readingof the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodimentsthereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally address one or moreof the problems related to environment control systems for buildings.More particularly, the present disclosure aims at providing solutionsfor optimizing power consumption on a remote control device interactingwith a controlled appliance via the BLE standard (or another standardhaving similar characteristics).

The following terminology is used throughout the present specification:

-   -   Environment: condition(s) (temperature, pressure, oxygen level,        light level, security, etc.) prevailing in a controlled area or        place, such as for example in a building.    -   Environment control system: a set of components which        collaborate for monitoring and controlling an environment.    -   Environmental data: any data (e.g. information, commands)        related to an environment that may be exchanged between        components of an environment control system.    -   Environment control device (ECD): generic name for a component        of an environment control system. An ECD may consist of an        environment controller, a sensor, a controlled appliance, etc.    -   Environment controller: device capable of receiving information        related to an environment and sending commands based on such        information.    -   Environmental characteristic: measurable, quantifiable or        verifiable property of an environment (a building). The        environmental characteristic comprises any of the following:        temperature, pressure, humidity, lighting, CO2, flow, radiation,        water level, speed, sound; a variation of at least one of the        following, temperature, pressure, humidity and lighting, CO2        levels, flows, radiations, water levels, speed, sound levels,        etc., and/or a combination thereof.    -   Environmental characteristic value: numerical, qualitative or        verifiable representation of an environmental characteristic.    -   Sensor: device that detects an environmental characteristic and        provides a numerical, quantitative or verifiable representation        thereof. The numerical, quantitative or verifiable        representation may be sent to an environment controller.    -   Controlled appliance: device that receives a command and        executes the command. The command may be received from an        environment controller.    -   Environmental state: a current condition of an environment based        on an environmental characteristic, each environmental state may        comprise a range of values or verifiable representation for the        corresponding environmental characteristic.    -   VAV appliance: a Variable Air Volume appliance is a type of        heating, ventilating, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system. By        contrast to a Constant Air Volume (CAV) appliance, which        supplies a constant airflow at a variable temperature, a VAV        appliance varies the airflow at a constant temperature.    -   Area of a building: the expression ‘area of a building’ is used        throughout the present specification to refer to the interior of        a whole building or a portion of the interior of the building        such as, without limitation: a floor, a room, an aisle, etc.    -   Remote control device: a traditional remote control similar to        the ones used for controlling a television, a stereo equipment,        etc.; but adapted for controlling a controlled appliance of an        environment control system. By extension, any device        implementing a remote control functionality (e.g. a smartphone        or a tablet implementing the remote control functionality)        adapted for controlling a controlled appliance of an environment        control system.

Reference is now made concurrently to FIGS. 1 and 2 . An environmentcontrol system is represented, where an environment controller 100exchanges data with other environment control devices (ECDs). Theenvironment controller 100 is responsible for controlling theenvironment of an area of a building. The environment controller 100receives from sensors 200 environment characteristic values measured bythe sensors 200. The environment controller 100 generates commands basedon the received environment characteristic values. The generatedcommands are transmitted to controlled appliances 300 (to control theoperations of the controlled appliances 300).

The area under the control of the environment controller 100 is notrepresented in the Figures for simplification purposes. As mentionedpreviously, the area may consist of a room, a floor, an aisle, etc. (ofa building). However, the area under the control of the environmentcontroller 100 is not limited to being inside a building. Outdoor areassuch as a street, a parking lot, a stadium, a private outdoor spacesurrounding a building, etc. also fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Examples of sensors 200 include a temperature sensor, capable ofmeasuring a current temperature and transmitting the measured currenttemperature to the environment controller 100. The examples also includea humidity sensor, capable of measuring a current humidity level andtransmitting the measured current humidity level to the environmentcontroller 100. The examples further include a carbon dioxide (CO2)sensor, capable of measuring a current CO2 level and transmitting themeasured current CO2 level to the environment controller 100. Theexamples also include a lighting sensor, capable of measuring a currentlighting level in the area and transmitting the measured lighting levelto the environment controller 100. The examples further include anoccupancy sensor, capable of determining a current occupancy of the areaand transmitting the determined current occupancy of the area to theenvironment controller 100.

The aforementioned examples of sensors 200 are for illustration purposesonly. Other types of sensors 200 could be used in the context of anenvironment control system managed by the environment controller 100.Furthermore, each environmental characteristic value measured by asensor 200 may consist of either a single value (e.g. currenttemperature of 25 degrees Celsius), or a range of values (e.g. currenttemperature in the range of 25 to 26 degrees Celsius).

Only two sensors 200 are represented in FIG. 1 for simplificationpurposes. However, any number of sensors 200 and any types of sensors200 (temperature, humidity level, CO2 level, etc.) may be deployed inthe area under the control of the environment controller 100.

Furthermore, in some cases, a single sensor 200 measures a given type ofenvironment characteristic value (e.g. temperature) for the whole area.Alternatively, the area is divided into a plurality of zones, and aplurality of sensors 200 measures the given type of environmentcharacteristic value (e.g. temperature) in the corresponding pluralityof zones.

Each controlled appliance 300 comprises at least one actuation module.The actuation module can be of one of the following type: mechanical,pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronical, a combination thereof,etc. The commands sent by the environment controller 100 actuate the atleast one actuation module. The controlled appliance 300 controls one ormore environment characteristic (e.g. temperature, pressure level,lighting level, etc.) in the area under its control via the at least oneactuation module. The controlled appliance 300 is physically located inthe area. Alternatively, the controlled appliance 300 is not physicallylocated in the area, but remotely controls the one or more environmentcharacteristic in the area.

An example of a controlled appliance 300 consists of a VAV appliance.Examples of commands transmitted to the VAV appliance 300 includecommands directed to one of the following: an actuation modulecontrolling the speed of a fan, an actuation module controlling thepressure generated by a compressor, an actuation module controlling avalve defining the rate of an airflow, etc.

Another example of a controlled appliance 300 consists of a smartthermostat. Examples of commands transmitted to the smart thermostat 300include commands (e.g. raise or lower the temperature in the area)directed to an actuation module of the smart thermostat 300. Theactuation module of the smart thermostat 300 controls the heat generatedby one or more electric heater (not represented in the Figures) locatedin the area.

The previous examples are for illustration purposes only. Other types ofcontrolled appliances 300 could be used in the context of an environmentcontrol system managed by the environment controller 100.

A remote control device 400 is also represented in FIG. 1 . The remotecontrol device 400 is capable of remotely controlling at least one ofthe controlled appliances 300. Thus, each controlled appliance 300represented in FIG. 1 may be controlled by the environment controller100 only, by the remote control device 400 only, or concurrently by theenvironment controller 100 and the remote control device 400.

The remote control device 400 is a device dedicated to implementing aremote control functionality. Alternatively, the remote control device400 is a device implementing several functionalities including a remotecontrol functionality (e.g. a mobile device such as a smartphone or atablet implementing a remote control functionality).

In the rest of the description, the interactions between the controlledappliance 300 and the remote control device 400 will be performed viathe Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The BLE protocol providesshort range wireless interactions between electronic equipment having acommunication interface supporting the BLE standard. A well knownadvantage of the BLE protocol is that it has been designed to be powerefficient. Being able to optimize the power consumption of the remotecontrol device 400 is a key feature of the present disclosure.

However, other Radio Frequency (RF) communication protocols may also beused in place of the BLE protocol, provided that these other RFcommunication protocols provide functionalities similar to the onedetailed in the rest of the description when the BLE protocol is usedfor the interactions between the controlled appliance 300 and the remotecontrol device 400.

Following is a reminder of the different modes adopted by a device usingthe BLE protocol.

Standby mode: the device is neither emitting nor receiving BLE signals.The power consumption of a BLE communication interface in this mode isminimal, compared to the other modes.

Scanning mode: the device is in a scanning phase, searching for otherdevices which are emitting BLE signals in the vicinity.

Advertising mode: the device emits BLE signals designed to indicate toother devices that it can make itself available for an exchange of data.

Initiating mode: when a first device in the scanning mode encounters asecond device in the advertising mode, the first device goes intoinitiating mode in order to attempt to initiate a BLE connection withthe second device.

Connected mode: following an exchange of different control identifiersduring the initiating phase, the first and second devices enter the BLEconnected mode, in which they can exchange data. Once connected, thedata are exchanged in both directions.

The transmission of commands from the environment controller 100 to thecontrolled appliances 300 is represented with the reference number 3 inFIGS. 1-2 . The transmission of commands from the remote control device400 to the controlled appliances 300 is represented with the referencenumber 1 in FIGS. 1-2 . The transmission of environmental characteristicvalues from the sensors 200 to the environment controller 100 isrepresented with the reference number 2 in FIGS. 1-2 .

Referring more specifically to FIG. 2 , details of the remote controldevice 400, the controlled appliance 300 and the environment controller100, are provided.

The remote control device 400 comprises a processing unit 410, memory420, a BLE interface 430, a user interface 440, optionally a display450, optionally one or more sensing module 460, and a battery 470. Theremote control device 400 may comprise additional components, such asanother communication interface (not represented in FIG. 2 forsimplification purposes), etc.

The processing unit 410 comprises one or more processors (notrepresented in FIG. 2 ) capable of executing instructions of a computerprogram. Each processor may further comprise one or several cores.

The memory 420 stores instructions of computer program(s) executed bythe processing unit 410, data generated by the execution of the computerprogram(s), data received via the BLE interface 430 (or anothercommunication interface), data received via the user interface 440, etc.Only a single memory 420 is represented in FIG. 2 , but the remotecontrol device 400 may comprise several types of memories, includingvolatile memory (such as a volatile Random Access Memory (RAM), etc.)and non-volatile memory (such as electrically-erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), etc.).

The BLE interface 430 allows the remote control device 400 to exchangedata with remote devices (in particular with the controlled appliance300) in accordance with the BLE standard.

As mentioned previously, the remote control device 400 may include atleast one additional communication interface (not represented in FIG. 2). For example, in the case of a traditional remote control 400, theadditional communication interface is an infrared (IR) communicationinterface for exchanging data with controlled devices which do notsupport the BLE standard, but support the IR standard. In the case of amobile device 400 (e.g. smartphone or tablet) having a remote controlfunctionality, the additional communication interface is a cellularcommunication interface and/or a Wi-Fi communication interface.

The user interface 440 consists of at least one button, which can bepressed by a user for generating a command. The command is transmittedto, and processed by, the processing unit 410. Alternatively, the userinterface 440 is integrated with the display 450, and consists of atouch screen user interface.

The optional display 450 is either a regular display or a touchscreendisplay. The display 450 has a small size adapted to the form factor ofthe remote control device 400, and is capable of displaying datagenerated by the processing unit 410 or data received via the BLEinterface 430.

The optional sensing module 460 will be detailed later in thedescription.

The battery 470 provides power to the BLE interface 430, and optionallyto one or more other component of the remote control device 400 (e.g.the processing unit 410, the memory 420, etc.). Another battery (notrepresented in FIG. 2 ) may be used for providing power to othercomponents of the remote control device 400. The battery 470 generallyconsists of a long life battery, to avoid having to replace the battery470 too often (the remote control device 400 may even be designed with abattery 470 which cannot be replaced at all). As mentioned previously,the usage of the BLE interface 430 enables a reduced power consumptionfrom the battery 470, since the BLE protocol has been designed foroptimizing power consumption.

The controlled appliance 300 comprises a processing unit 310, memory320, a BLE interface 330, optionally another communication interface340, at least one actuation module 350, optionally a display 360. Thecontrolled appliance 300 may comprise additional components, such as, auser interface, etc.

The processing unit 310 comprises one or more processors (notrepresented in FIG. 2 ) capable of executing instructions of a computerprogram. Each processor may further comprise one or several cores.

The memory 320 stores instructions of computer program(s) executed bythe processing unit 310, data generated by the execution of the computerprogram(s), data received via the BLE interface 330 (or the optionalcommunication interface 330), etc. Only a single memory 320 isrepresented in FIG. 2 , but the controlled appliance 300 may compriseseveral types of memories, including volatile memory (such as a volatileRandom Access Memory (RAM), etc.) and non-volatile memory (such aselectrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.).

The BLE interface 330 allows the controlled appliance 300 to exchangedata with remote devices (in particular with the remote control device400) in accordance with the BLE standard.

The optional communication interface 340 is used for exchanging datawith device(s) which do not support the BLE standard. For example, thecommunication interface 340 is a Wi-Fi interface or an Ethernetinterface used for exchanging data (e.g. commands) with the environmentcontroller 100.

As mentioned previously, the actuation module 350 can be of one of thefollowing types: mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical,electronical, a combination thereof, etc. Commands (reference number 1)received from the remote control device 400 via the BLE interface 340control operations of the actuation module 350. Optionally, commands(reference number 3) received from the environment controller 100 viathe other communication interface 340 also control operations of theactuation module 350. Although a single actuation module 350 isrepresented in FIG. 2 , the controlled appliance 340 may include severalactuation modules 350. Each actuation module 350 is controlled by theremote control device 400 only, by the environment controller 100 only,or concurrently by the remote control device 400 and the environmentcontroller 100. However, at least one of the actuation modules 350 iscontrolled by the remote control device 400.

Although a single controlled appliance 300 is represented in FIG. 2 ,the remote control device 400 may interact with a plurality of BLEenabled controlled appliances 300 through the BLE interface 430.

The environment controller 100 comprises a processing unit 110, memory120, at least one communication interface 140 (e.g. a Wi-Fi or Ethernetcommunication interface). The environment controller 100 may compriseadditional components, such as a user interface 150, a display 160, etc.

The environment controller 100 exchanges data with at least onecontrolled appliance 300′ via the communication interface 140 forcontrolling the controlled appliance 300′. As mentioned previously, theenvironment controller 100 optionally exchanges data with the controlledappliance 300 via the communication interface 140 for controlling thecontrolled appliance 300 (in this case, the controlled appliance 300 iscontrolled concurrently by the environment controller 100 and the remotecontrol device 400). The environment controller 100 exchanges data withat least one sensor 200 via the communication interface 140 forreceiving environment characteristic values (reference number 2)measured by the sensor 200. Alternatively, the environment controller100 supports several communication interfaces 140 (e.g. a Wi-Fiinterface and an Ethernet interface), which are respectively used forexchanging data with at least one of the controlled appliance 300′, thecontrolled appliance 300 and the sensor 200.

Although a single controlled appliance 300′ is represented in FIG. 2 ,the environment controller 100 may interact with a plurality ofcontrolled appliance 300′. Although a single controlled appliance 300 isrepresented in FIG. 2 , the environment controller 100 may interact witha plurality of controlled appliance 300. Although a single sensor 200 isrepresented in FIG. 2 , the environment controller 100 may interact witha plurality of sensors 200.

A control software (not represented in FIG. 2 ) executed by theprocessing unit 110 of the environment controller 100 receivesenvironmental characteristic value(s) from the sensor(s) 200. Thecontrol software processes the environmental characteristic value(s), togenerate one or more command(s) transmitted to the controlledappliance(s) 300′ and optionally to the controlled appliance(s) 300.

Reference is now made concurrently to FIGS. 2 and 3 . At least some ofthe steps of the method 500 represented in FIG. 3 are implemented by theremote control device 400, to control interactions (based on the BLEstandard) between the remote control device 400 and the controlledappliance 300 supporting the BLE standard.

A dedicated computer program has instructions for implementing at leastsome of the steps of the method 500. The instructions are comprised in anon-transitory computer program product (e.g. the memory 420) of theremote control device 400. The instructions provide for controllinginteractions (based on the BLE standard) between the remote controldevice 400 and the controlled appliance 300, when executed by theprocessing unit 410 of the remote control device 400. The instructionsare deliverable to the remote control device 400 via communication links(e.g. via the BLE interface 430).

The method 500 comprises the step 505 of setting the BLE interface 430in a standby mode, upon determination of a first condition being met.Step 505 is performed by the processing unit 410 of the remote controldevice 400.

The standby mode is a mode where the power supplied by the battery 470to the BLE interface 430 is limited to a minimal value. Ideally, theminimal value should be no power supplied at all. The standby mode ofthe BLE standard is a mode where the BLE interface 430 does not emit norreceive BLE signals. However, even when the BLE interface 430 is neitheremitting nor receiving BLE signals, it may still be consuming a certainamount of power. However, this certain amount of power is lower than anyother amount of power consumed by the BLE interface 430 when operatingin a mode different from the standby mode.

The first condition corresponds to one or more event occurring at theremote control device 400 and being detected by the processing unit 410.

For example, the first condition corresponds to the detection by theprocessing unit 410 that an interaction of a user with the userinterface 440 of the remote control device 400 has occurred (e.g. a userhas pressed a button of the user interface 440). For instance, the userinterface 440 includes a sleep button. Upon pressure of the sleep buttonby the user, the remote control device 400 enters a sleep mode where itbecomes inactive. Entering the sleep mode of the remote control device400 triggers the setting of the BLE interface 430 in the standby mode,as per step 505.

In another example, the first condition corresponds to an inactivitytimer previously setup by the processing unit 410 reaching a timeoutvalue. For example, the timer was setup with a two minutes timeout, andtwo minutes have elapsed since the setup of the timer by the processingunit 410. Reaching the timeout value triggers the setting of the BLEinterface 430 in the standby mode, as per step 505. The setup of theinactivity timer will be further detailed later in the description.

If the first condition can be met upon occurrence of several concurrentevents, step 405 is executed when any one of the several concurrentevents occurs first (e.g. the sleep button is pressed by the user beforethe timeout occurs, or the timeout occurs before the sleep button has achance to be pressed by the user).

A person skilled in the art would readily understand that other firstconditions may be considered for step 505.

The method 500 comprises the step 510 of setting the BLE interface 430in a BLE advertising mode, upon determination of a second conditionbeing met. Step 510 is performed by the processing unit 410 of theremote control device 400.

In the BLE advertising mode, BLE advertising signals are transmitted viathe BLE interface 430 of the remote control device 400. Each BLEadvertising signal transports a BLE advertising packet, as is well knownin the art of BLE communications. The BLE advertising signals are senton a regular basis.

The BLE advertising packet comprises an identifier (device name) of theremote control device 400, allowing the controlled appliance 300 todetermine that the BLE advertising packet originates from the remotecontrol device 400.

The processing unit 410 may stop sending BLE advertising signals uponoccurrence of step 515. Therefore, the number of BLE advertising signalssent at step 510 may vary from one to many, based upon how fast thecontrolled appliance 300 reacts to the reception of BLE advertisingsignals.

The second condition occurs when the remote control device 400 needs totransmit data to the controlled appliance 300 and/or needs to receivedata from the controlled appliance 300. For this purpose, a BLEconnection needs to be established between the remote control device 400and the controlled appliance 300.

In a first use case, the second condition corresponds to the occurrenceof an interaction of a user with the user interface 440 of the remotecontrol device 400. For example, a user presses a button of the userinterface 440, where pressing the button generates a command to be sentto the controlled appliance 300 (for controlling operations of thecontrolled appliance 300). For instance, when a temperature increasebutton of the user interface 440 is pressed, the processing unit 410generates a command for increasing the temperature. The temperatureincrease command needs to be transmitted to the controlled appliance300. Similarly, when a temperature decrease button of the user interface440 is pressed, the processing unit 410 generates a command fordecreasing the temperature. The temperature decrease command needs to betransmitted to the controlled appliance 300. The button(s) andcorresponding command(s) are not limited to adjusting a temperature, butmay also include button(s) and command(s) for adjusting a lightinglevel, adjusting blind(s), etc.

In a second use case, the second condition corresponds to adetermination by the processing unit 410 that an environmentalcharacteristic value measured by the sensing module 460 needs to betransmitted to the controlled appliance 300. Examples of sensing modules460 include a temperature sensing module for measuring a temperature, ahumidity sensing module for measuring a humidity level, a carbon dioxide(CO2) sensing module for measuring a CO2 level, a lighting sensingmodule for measuring a lighting level, a motion detection module fordetecting a movement of a person in the area, a gesture identificationmodule for identifying a gesture of a person in the area, etc. Asmentioned previously, the remote control device 400 may include severalsensing modules 460, for measuring several types of environmentalcharacteristic values, which need to be transmitted to the controlledappliance 300. For instance, a sensing timer is repeatedly setup with atimeout value (e.g. every 15 minutes) by the processing unit 410. Whenthe sensing timer reaches its timeout value, the processing unit 410reads the environmental characteristic value measured by the sensingmodule 460, which corresponds to the first condition being met. Inaddition to transmitting the measured environmental characteristicvalue, the processing unit 410 may further display this value on thedisplay 450 of the remote control device 400.

In an alternative implementation, the environmental characteristic valuemeasured by the sensing module 460 is displayed on the display 450 ofthe remote control device 400 (at regular intervals), but is nottransmitted to the controlled appliance 300.

In a third use case, the second condition corresponds to a determinationby the processing unit 410 that a movement of the remote control device400 has occurred. For example, the remote control device 400 includes anequipment capable of detecting a movement of the remote control device400, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc. If the remote controldevice 400 transitions from an immobile state to a detected movement,then the second condition is met. In another example, a cradle receivesthe remote control device 400 when it is not used by a user. The removalof the remote control device 400 from its cradle is detected andcorresponds to the second condition being met. The detection of theremoval is based on the determination that a contact (e.g. physical,electrical, magnetic, etc.) between the remote control device 400 andthe cradle is interrupted.

A person skilled in the art would readily understand that other secondconditions may be considered for step 510.

The method 500 comprises the step 515 of receiving a BLE connectionrequest from the controlled appliance 300. Step 515 is performed by theprocessing unit 410 of the remote control device 400. The BLE connectionrequest is received via the BLE interface 430 of the remote controldevice 400. The BLE connection request is a packet transported by a BLEsignal.

The method 500 comprises the step 520 of establishing a BLE connectionbetween the remote control device 400 and the controlled appliance 300.Step 520 is performed by the processing unit 410 of the remote controldevice 400. The establishment of a BLE connection between two BLEenabled devices is well known in the art of BLE communications. Forinstance, the processing unit 410 transmits a BLE connection response(the BLE connection response is a packet transported by a BLE signal) tothe controlled appliance 300 via the BLE interface 430, to confirm theestablishment of the BLE connection. The establishment of the BLEconnection may also include an exchange of connection parameters betweenthe controlled appliance 300 and the remote control device 400.

The method 500 comprises the step 525 of exchanging data with thecontrolled appliance 300. Step 525 is performed by the processing unit410 of the remote control device 400. The data are exchanged via the BLEinterface 430 of the remote control device 400. Step 525 is performedonce the BLE connection between the remote control device 400 and thecontrolled appliance 300 is established, as per step 520.

Exchanging data shall be interpreted broadly and includes onlytransmitting data, only receiving data, or transmitting and receivingdata. Thus, step 525 may include one or more transmission of data, oneor more reception of data, or a combination of at least one transmissionand at least one reception of data.

Various types of data may be exchanged at step 525. For example, acommand for controlling operations of the controlled appliance 300 istransmitted to the controlled appliance 300, as previously mentionedwith reference to step 510 (the command is generated by the processingunit 510 based on an interaction of a user with the user interface 440).As mentioned previously, the command may consist of a command foradjusting a temperature, for adjusting a lighting level, for adjustingone or more blind, etc.

In another example, an environmental characteristic value measured bythe sensing module 460 of the remote control device 400 is transmittedto the controlled appliance 300, as previously mentioned with referenceto step 510. As mentioned previously, the environmental characteristicvalue may consist of a temperature, a humidity level, a CO2 level, alighting level, a detected movement of a person in the area, anidentified gesture of a person in the area, etc. (depending on whichtype of sensing module 460 is integrated to the remote control device400).

In still another example, data are received from the controlledappliance 300 and displayed on the display 450 of the remote controldevice 400. For instance, the received data include a currentenvironmental state enforced by the controlled appliance 300. Examplesof current environmental states enforced by the controlled appliance 300(by actuating the actuation module(s) 350) include a currenttemperature, a current lighting level, a current position of one or moreblind, etc.

Following is an exemplary sequence of exchanges performed at step 525.It is assumed that the remote control device 400 does not include asensing module 460 capable of measuring a temperature. The remotecontrol device 400 sends a request to the controlled appliance 300requiring the value of the current temperature maintained in the area bythe controlled appliance 300. The remote control device 400 receives thecurrent temperature from the controlled appliance 300, and displays thecurrent temperature on the display 450. A user interacts with the userinterface 440 to adjust the current temperature. The remote controldevice 400 sends a command to the controlled appliance 300 for adjustingthe current temperature accordingly.

Step 525 ends with the determination that the aforementioned firstcondition is met, and step 505 is performed again. The remote controldevice 400 repeatedly executes the loop consisting of steps 505 to 525.

As mentioned previously, the transition from step 525 to step 505 istriggered by the detection by the processing unit 410 that aninteraction of a user with the user interface 440 of the remote controldevice 400 has occurred (e.g. a user has pressed a sleep button of theuser interface 440).

Alternatively, the transition from step 525 to step 505 is triggered bythe detection by the processing unit 410 that an inactivity timerpreviously setup reaches a timeout value. For example, the inactivitytimer is setup at step 520 when the BLE connection is established. Eachtime an exchange of data between the remote control device 400 and thecontrolled appliance 300 occurs at step 525, the timer is reset.However, if no exchange of data occurs for a duration equal to thetimeout value, the timer expires and the transition from step 525 to 505occurs.

A person skilled in the art would readily understand that otherconditions may trigger the transition from step 525 to step 505.

Although not represented in FIG. 3 for simplification purposes, thetransition from step 525 to step 505 comprises the closure of the BLEconnection which was established at step 520, before entering thestandby mode of step 505. In this case, the BLE connection is closed atthe initiative of the remote control device 400, and the controlledappliance 300 is notified that the BLE connection has been closed.

In the case where the BLE connection is closed at the initiative of thecontrolled appliance 300, the remote control device 400 is notified thatthe BLE connection has been closed. This closure notification is anotherexample of the first condition which triggers the execution of step 505.

The execution of the method 500 is not limited to the remote controldevice 400 of FIG. 3 , which has been previously described as consistingof a traditional remote control or a mobile device (e.g. a smartphone ora tablet) implementing a remote control functionality.

The method 500 can also be executed by any computing device comprisingthe BLE interface 430, the processing unit 410, the memory 420, and apower supply for powering at least the BLE interface 430. The powersupply is not limited to the battery 470 of FIG. 3 , but may consist ofany type of power supply. Optionally, the computing device furthercomprises at least one of the user interface 440, the display 450 andthe sensing module 460.

Reference is now made concurrently to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 . At least someof the steps of the method 600 represented in FIG. 4 are implemented bythe controlled appliance 300 supporting the BLE standard, to controlinteractions (based on the BLE standard) between the controlledappliance 300 and the remote control device 400.

A dedicated computer program has instructions for implementing at leastsome of the steps of the method 600. The instructions are comprised in anon-transitory computer program product (e.g. the memory 320) of thecontrolled appliance 300. The instructions provide for controllinginteractions (based on the BLE standard) between the controlledappliance 300 and the remote control device 400, when executed by theprocessing unit 310 of the controlled appliance 300. The instructionsare deliverable to the controlled appliance 300 via communication links(e.g. via the BLE interface 330 or the other communication interface 340if present).

The method 600 comprises the step 605 of setting the BLE interface 330in a scanning mode. Step 605 is performed by the processing unit 310 ofthe controlled appliance 300. The scanning mode is a mode where the BLEinterface 330 is capable of receiving BLE signals from other BLE enableddevices. As mentioned previously, in the scanning mode, the controlledappliance 300 searches for other devices which are emitting BLE signalsin the vicinity.

The method 600 comprises the step 610 of determining if a BLEadvertising signal (a BLE advertising packet is transported by the BLEadvertising signal) has been received from the remote control device400. Step 610 is performed by the processing unit 310 of the controlledappliance 300. The BLE advertising signal is received via the BLEinterface 330 of the controlled appliance 300.

If no BLE advertising signal has been received, the method 600 proceedsto step 605 and remains in the scanning mode.

If a BLE advertising signal has been received, the method 600 proceedsto step 615.

The method 600 comprises the step 615 of establishing a BLE connectionbetween the controlled appliance 300 and the remote control device 400.Step 615 is performed by the processing unit 310 of the controlledappliance 300.

The BLE connection is established through the BLE interface 330 of thecontrolled appliance 300. The establishment of a BLE connection betweentwo BLE enabled devices is well known in the art of BLE communications.The processing unit 310 transmits a BLE connection request (a BLEconnection request packet transported by a BLE signal) to the remotecontrol device 400 via the BLE interface 330. As mentioned previouslywith reference to step 520 of the method 500, the establishment of theBLE connection may further include an exchange of connection parametersbetween the controlled appliance 300 and the remote control device 400.

The controlled appliance 300 may receive BLE advertising signals from aplurality of devices. Each BLE advertising packet transported by a givenBLE advertising signal generally comprises an identifier (device name)of the corresponding advertising device. The processing unit 310performs step 615 only if the identifier (device name) of theadvertising device corresponds to the remote control device 400. Forthis purpose, the controlled appliance 300 is configured with theidentifier of the remote control device 400, which is stored in thememory 320 of the controlled appliance 300. Although not represented inFIG. 4 for simplification purposes, if the identifier transported by thereceived BLE advertising packet does not match the identifier of theremote control device 400 stored in the memory 320, the method proceedsto step 605 instead of step 615 after step 610.

The method 600 comprises the step 620 of exchanging data with the remotecontrol device 400. Step 620 is performed by the processing unit 310 ofthe controlled appliance 300. The data is exchanged via the BLEinterface 330 of the controlled device 300. Step 620 is performed oncethe BLE connection between the controlled appliance 300 and the remotecontrol device 400 is established, as per step 615.

As mentioned previously in reference to step 525 of the method 500,exchanging data shall be interpreted broadly and includes onlytransmitting data, only receiving data, or transmitting and receivingdata. Thus, step 620 may include one or more transmission of data, oneor more reception of data, or a combination of at least one transmissionand at least one reception of data.

As mentioned previously in reference to step 525 of the method 500,various types of data may be exchanged at step 620. For example, acommand for controlling operations of the controlled appliance 300 (e.g.a command for adjusting a temperature, for adjusting a lighting level,for adjusting one or more blind, etc.) is received from the remotecontrol device 400. In another example, an environmental characteristicvalue measured by the sensing module 460 (e.g. a temperature, a humiditylevel, a CO2 level, a lighting level, a detected movement of a person inthe area, an identified gesture of a person in the area, etc.) isreceived from the remote control device 400. In still another example,data are transmitted to the remote control device 400 (e.g. for beingdisplayed on the display 450 of the remote control device 400). Forinstance, the transmitted data include a current environmental stateenforced by the controlled appliance 300. Examples of currentenvironmental states enforced by the controlled appliance 300 (byactuating the actuation module(s) 350) include a current temperature, acurrent lighting level, a position of one or more blind, etc.

The method 600 comprises the optional step 625 of applying a command(received at step 620) to the actuation module 350 of the controlledappliance 300. Step 625 is performed by the processing unit 310 of thecontrolled appliance 300. Step 625 is optional and is performed only ifa command for controlling operations of the actuation module 350 hasbeen received from the remote control device 400 at step 620.

As mentioned previously, the controlled appliance 300 may include morethan one actuation module 350. Thus, a given received command is appliedto one or more actuation module 350. Furthermore, a plurality ofcommands may be received at step 620, each command being respectivelyapplied to one or more actuation module 350.

For instance, the controlled appliance 300 comprises one or moreactuation module 350 for adjusting a temperature. Alternatively orcomplementarily, the controlled appliance 300 comprises one or moreactuation module 350 for adjusting a lighting level. Alternatively orcomplementarily, the controlled appliance 300 comprises one or moreactuation module 350 for adjusting one or more blind. One or more ofthese exemplary actuation modules are remotely controlled by the remotecontrol device 400 when performing the methods 300 and 400.

The method 600 comprises the step 630 of closing the BLE connectionestablished at step 615. Step 630 is performed by the processing unit310 of the controlled appliance 300.

The BLE connection is closed at the initiative of the controlledappliance 300, in which case the remote control device 400 is notifiedthat the BLE connection has been closed. Alternatively, The BLEconnection is closed at the initiative of the remote control device 400,in which case the controlled appliance 300 is notified that the BLEconnection has been closed.

Following step 630, step 605 is performed again. The controlledappliance 300 repeatedly executes the loop consisting of steps 605 to630.

In the case where the data received from the remote control device 400at step 620 consist of an environmental characteristic value measured bythe sensing module 460 of the remote control device 400, the method 600comprises the optional step (not represented in FIG. 4 ) of displaying(by the processing unit 310) the received environmental characteristicvalue on the display 360 of the controlled appliance 300. Alternativelyor complementarily, the method 600 comprises the optional step (notrepresented in FIG. 4 ) of overwriting (by the processing unit 310) acurrent value of the environmental characteristic stored in the memory320 of the controlled appliance 300 with the received environmentalcharacteristic value. Alternatively or complementarily, the method 600comprises the optional step (not represented in FIG. 4 ) of forwarding(by the processing unit 310) the received environmental characteristicvalue to the environment controller 100. The forwarding is performed viathe other communication interface 340 of the controlled appliance 300.Alternatively, the forwarding may be performed via the BLE interface 330of the controlled appliance 300, if the environment controller 100 alsocomprises a communication interface supporting the BLE standard (the BLEconnection established at step 625 cannot be used for this purpose).

In a particular implementation, the processing unit 310 concurrentlysets the BLE interface in an advertising mode (not represented in theFigures) where the BLE interface 330 transmits BLE advertising signals,and in the scanning mode (as per step 605) where the BLE interface 330is capable of receiving BLE advertising signals from other devices. Thescanning mode enables the controlled appliance 300 to detect the BLEadvertising signals sent by the remote control device 400 (as per step610). The advertising mode enables the controlled appliance 300 toadvertise its presence and availability to other devices (e.g. asmartphone or a tablet with a BLE interface) in the vicinity, so thatthe other devices may initiate a BLE connection procedure with thecontrolled appliance 300.

One objective of the methods 500 and 600 is to save energy on the remotecontrol device 400, by limiting the power consumed by the BLE interface430. It has been established experimentally that it is more efficient interms of power consumption to have the remote control device 400 sendsthe BLE advertising signals and have the controlled appliance 300initiate the BLE connection with the remote control device 400, insteadof the usual mode of operations where the controlled appliance 300 sendsthe BLE advertising signals and the remote control device 400 initiatesthe BLE connection with the controlled appliance 300.

The methods 500 and 600 are not limited to the BLE standard, but alsoapply to any other radio frequency (RF) standard having characteristicssimilar to the BLE standard. The other RF standard needs to support thepreviously described functionalities required for performing the stepsof the methods 500 and 600.

The method 500 is performed by the remote control device 400 with theinterface 430 supporting the other RF standard instead of the BLEstandard. The battery 470 powers at least the RF communication interface430.

Step 505 consists in setting the RF communication interface 430 in astandby mode where the power supplied by the battery 470 to the RFcommunication interface 430 is limited to a minimal value, upondetermination of a first condition being met.

Step 510 consists in setting the RF communication interface 430 in anadvertising mode where at least one RF advertising signal is transmittedvia the RF communication interface 430, upon determination of a secondcondition being met. The RF advertising signal advertises theavailability of the remote control device 400 for establishing aconnection. The RF advertising signal can be received by other devicessupporting the RF standard and being within range of the remote controldevice 400.

Step 515 consists in receiving via the RF communication interface 430 aconnection request from the controlled appliance 300.

Step 520 consists in establishing a connection between the remotecontrol device 400 and the controlled appliance 300 through the RFcommunication interface 330. The connection is compliant with the RFstandard.

Step 525 consists in exchanging data with the controlled appliance 300via the RF communication interface 430.

The method 600 is performed by the controlled appliance 300 with theinterface 330 supporting the other RF standard instead of the BLEstandard.

Step 605 consists in setting the RF communication interface 330 in ascanning mode where the RF communication interface 330 is capable ofreceiving RF signals from other devices.

Step 610 consists in determining if a RF advertising signal has beenreceived from the remote control device 400 via the RF communicationinterface 330.

Step 615 consists in establishing a connection between the controlledappliance 300 and the remote control device 400 through the RFcommunication interface 330.

Step 620 consists in exchanging data with the remote control device 400via the RF communication interface 330.

Step 625 consists in, upon reception from the remote control device 400via the RF communication interface 330 of a command for controllingoperations of the actuation module 350, applying the command to theactuation module 350.

Step 630 consists in closing the RF connection.

Although the present disclosure has been described hereinabove by way ofnon-restrictive, illustrative embodiments thereof, these embodiments maybe modified at will within the scope of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the spirit and nature of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote control device comprising: a radiofrequency (RF) communication interface; a user interface; a power supplyfor powering at least the RF communication interface; and a processingunit for: upon determination of a first condition being met, setting theRF communication interface in a standby mode where the power supplied bythe power supply to the RF communication interface is limited to aminimal value; upon determination of a second condition being met, thesecond condition consisting of a detection by the processing unit thatan interaction of a user with the user interface for adjusting atemperature, a lighting level or a position of one or more blinds hasoccurred, transmitting at least one RF advertising signal via the RFcommunication interface; receiving via the RF communication interface aconnection request from a controlled appliance; establishing aconnection between the remote control device and the controlledappliance through the RF communication interface; and exchanging datawith the controlled appliance via the RF communication interface, theexchange of data comprising transmitting a command for controllingoperations of the controlled appliance, the command being generatedbased on the interaction of the user with the user interface foradjusting the temperature, the lighting level or the position of one ormore blinds.
 2. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the RFcommunication interface is a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) communicationinterface, and the BLE communication interface does not emit nor receiveBLE signals in the standby mode.
 3. The remote control device of claim1, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.
 4. The remote controldevice of claim 1, wherein the RF advertising signal transports anidentifier of the remote control device.
 5. The remote control device ofclaim 1, wherein the first condition comprises a detection by theprocessing unit that an interaction of a user with a user interface ofthe remote control device has occurred or an inactivity timer reaching atimeout value.
 6. The remote control device of claim 1, furthercomprising a display, wherein exchanging data with the controlledappliance comprises receiving data from the controlled appliance, thereceived data being displayed on the display.
 7. The remote controldevice of claim 1, further comprising a sensing module, whereinexchanging data with the controlled appliance comprises transmitting tothe controlled appliance the environmental characteristic value measuredby the sensing module.
 8. The remote control device of claim 7, whereinthe environmental characteristic value comprises a temperature, ahumidity level, a carbon dioxide (CO2) level, a lighting level, adetected movement of a person or an identified gesture of a person. 9.The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the interaction of theuser with the user interface is an interaction for adjusting thetemperature, and the command generated based on the interaction of theuser with the user interface is a command for adjusting the temperature.10. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the interaction of theuser with the user interface is an interaction for adjusting thelighting level, and the command generated based on the interaction ofthe user with the user interface is a command for adjusting the lightinglevel.
 11. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the interactionof the user with the user interface is an interaction for adjusting theposition of one or more blinds, and the command generated based on theinteraction of the user with the user interface is a command foradjusting the position of one or more blinds.
 12. A method forcontrolling interactions between a remote control device and acontrolled appliance, the method comprising: upon determination by aprocessing unit of the remote control device that a first condition ismet; setting an RF communication interface of the remote control devicein a standby mode where the power supplied by a power supply of theremote control device to the RF communication interface is limited to aminimal value; upon determination by the processing unit that a secondcondition is met, the second condition consisting of a detection by theprocessing unit that an interaction of a user with a user interface ofthe remote control device for adjusting a temperature, a lighting levelor a position of one or more blinds has occurred, transmitting at leastone RF advertising signal via the RF communication interface; receivingby the processing unit via the RF communication interface a connectionrequest from the controlled appliance; establishing by the processingunit a connection between the remote control device and the controlledappliance through the RF communication interface; and exchanging by theprocessing unit data with the controlled appliance via the RFcommunication interface, the exchange of data comprising transmitting acommand for controlling operations of the controlled appliance, thecommand being generated based on the interaction of the user with theuser interface for adjusting the temperature, the lighting level or theposition of one or more blinds.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein theRF communication interface is a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE)communication interface, and the BLE communication interface does notemit nor receive BLE signals in the standby mode.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.
 15. The methodof claim 12, wherein the RF advertising signal transports an identifierof the remote control device.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein thefirst condition comprises a detection by the processing unit that aninteraction of a user with a user interface of the remote control devicehas occurred or an inactivity timer reaching a timeout value.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the remote control device further comprisesa display, and exchanging data with the controlled appliance comprisesreceiving data from the controlled appliance, the received data beingdisplayed on the display.
 18. The method claim 12, wherein the remotecontrol device further comprises a sensing module, and exchanging datawith the controlled appliance comprises transmitting to the controlledappliance the environmental characteristic value measured by the sensingmodule.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the environmentalcharacteristic value comprises a temperature, a humidity level, a carbondioxide (CO2) level, a lighting level, a detected movement of a personor an identified gesture of a person.
 20. A non-transitory computerprogram product comprising instructions executable by a processing unitof a remote control device, the execution of the instructions by theprocessing unit of the remote control device providing for controllinginteractions between the remote control device and a controlledappliance by: upon determination by the processing unit that a firstcondition is met, setting an RF communication interface of the remotecontrol device in a standby mode where the power supplied by a powersupply of the remote control device to the RF communication interface islimited to a minimal value; upon determination by the processing unitthat a second condition is met, the second condition consisting of adetection by the processing unit that an interaction of a user with auser interface of the remote control device for adjusting a temperature,a lighting level or a position of one or more blinds has occurred,transmitting at least one RF advertising signal via the RF communicationinterface; receiving by the processing unit via the RF communicationinterface a connection request from the controlled appliance;establishing by the processing unit a connection between the remotecontrol device and the controlled appliance through the RF communicationinterface; and exchanging by the processing unit data with thecontrolled appliance via the RF communication interface, the exchange ofdata comprising transmitting a command for controlling operations of thecontrolled appliance, the command being generated based on theinteraction of the user with the user interface for adjusting thetemperature, the lighting level or the position of one or more blinds.